Product Description

Product Description

Its reflective optical system provides super-long telephoto performance in a compact, lightweight design that s easier to carry on field assignments.

From the Manufacturer

The Sony SAL-500F80 is the world's only super telephoto reflex lens with auto-focus capability. Its reflex design gives this amazing super telephoto lens a short barrel and compact, lightweight design, ideal for field work on wilderness and nature assignments--and its auto-focus capability makes it unique among reflex lenses of this class. Mounted on the Sony α (Alpha) DSLR-A100 camera, this lens provides a 750mm focal length (35mm equivalent)--and takes advantage of Sony's in-camera Super SteadyShot image stabilization system to reduce blur by compensating for shaky hands.

Features:

Compact Reflex Design: Its reflective optical system provides super-long telephoto performance in a compact, lightweight design that's easier to carry on field assignments.

Auto-Focus Operation: It's the world's only super telephoto reflex lens with auto-focus capability, making it ideal for wildlife assignments where events happen fast and you must react quickly to catch the shot.

No Chromatic Aberration: Reflective optics eliminate the chromatic aberrations that can affect image quality in refractive telephoto lenses, so images are extremely sharp and clear.

Focus Hold Button: For full creative control, a focus hold button located on the lens can lock auto-focusing.

Shutter-speed Exposure Control: At fixed f8 aperture, the exposure is controlled by varying the camera shutter speed and using a neutral-density snap-on filter.

Compatible Models Sony DSLR-A100, DSLR-A100K.

What's in the Box: Lens, front and rear lens cap, SH0015 lens hood.

Product Details

Product Dimensions:
6.8 x 3.8 x 3.5 inches ; 2 pounds

Shipping Weight: 2 pounds

Domestic Shipping: Item can be shipped within U.S.

International Shipping: This item is not eligible for international shipping. Learn More

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

I was a little doubtful about using a mirrored lens. My doubts were misplaced. The lens, for nature shots is very good. I get some tremendous shots with the subject matter almost full frame! The f/8 aperture, I was a little concerned when it came to speed but that also proofed to misplaced I've been able to shoot at medium and high speeds 250th to 1,000th. The auto focus is fast, although because of the mirror, in tight spots, has a tendency to hunt so I've selected the the tightest auto focus setting possible. It's reduced the situation but not eliminated it. The lens is light enough for the reduced vibration of the Sony Alpha, it doesn't exceed the limitation thus I really don't need a tripod which is a big plus in bird photography.

I bought this lens to take with me to Yellowstone National Park to get the pictures I missed last time. Especially for the wildlife. I have been testing it and was really surprised at the detail it shows. I use it with my Sony DSLR 100, and using "anti shake" I am able to shoot without a tripod.Of course if you have time, a tripod would be a better choice. With wildlife you don't always have time to set up.

I wasn't able to get a teleconverter for the zoom lens I use, so decided to try the Sony SAL-500F80 500mm f/8 Reflex Super Telephoto Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera. I am thrilled with it! It's short, compact, lightweight, and easy to hand hold. I have been able to get very sharp pictures, even of flying birds, in bright light. In low light, it also does extremely well on a tripod. It will be perfect for traveling and my specialty, bird photography.

Three good attributes of this lens: excellent quality rapid auto focus and low f/#. An annoying characteristic of this lens to me is its large size. That requires a separate case for it if one uses a standard camera bag with other lenses. At high magnifications, good photos require no camera movement and precise focusing on subjects. I highly recommend using a tripod with this lens and focus on still subjects whenever possible. I've taken many excellent photos at long distances with this lens on my Sony Alpha 700 camera.